HOW TO HELP TENEENGERS NOT FALL INTO TEMPTATION
How to Help Teens Resist Pressure to Try Drugs
Peer pressure to try drugs, alcohol, or do the wrong thing is no less intense than the sexual pressure many teens face. As with any situation that could possibly cause problems, we need to prepare our students to refuse offers of alcohol and other drugs; preferably without antagonizing his companions, although sometimes that is not possible. The following strategies are similar to those for refusing sexual advances.
Teach them words to avoid temptation
“Just saying no” is a good start, but the tendency of some teens to try to talk a partner into trying drugs won’t let it stay that way.
In fact, substance abusers tend to view converting a “straight-behaving” boy as an irresistible challenge, as their civic duty, and can be extremely persistent:
“Come on buddy, you’re going to love the effect of this! It is the maximum”.
Act out this scene with your students. The repertoire of possible responses includes:
A firm but friendly “No thanks!” There’s no need for self-righteousness, using something like “Get drunk? That’s for losers.” Let’s urge teens not to label other people as good or bad, just by observing their behavior. Using drugs is wrong, but that doesn’t necessarily make the person who uses drugs a bad person.
Change topic. “No, thanks. Hey, what did you think of that test from yesterday in social studies class?”
Suggest a change of plan. “I wanted to see if we go together to play some basketball at school. What do you think?”
Say “no” repeatedly:
“Do you want to party with us? This weed is the best!”
“No, thanks”.
“Let’s say yes! It’s super good!”
“I’m sorry I’m not interested”.
“Not even a taste?”
“Not even one”.
Teach your students to respect their bodies. “No thanks, I don’t drink. Also, the women’s swim team meets tomorrow and I must be in great shape.”
And there’s always this resource: “My parents would kill me if they found out I was on drugs, and they always find out about everything!”
Warn your students about the dangers of “rapist drugs”
In particular, the odorless and colorless benzodiazepine drug flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) has been linked to thousands of rapes in which boys slip it into the drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) of the girls they are dating without their knowledge. The drug makes them dizzy, disoriented, and faint.
Give the following tips to your students.
Reading them could save you from having to experience one of the most traumatic events of your life and even save your life.
Never leave your drink unattended at a party, dance club, restaurant, or any other gathering. If you have to use the bathroom, take her with you or ask a trusted friend to watch her until you return.
Don’t accept drinks in open containers from anyone you don’t know well (except bartenders like the bartender and servers).
Although it’s hard to detect these substances in a drink, keep an eye on the taste, texture, and appearance of your drink. For example, GHB tastes salty, while Rohypnol has been described as slightly bitter when mixed with alcohol. The new green tablets give light-colored liquids a bluish tint; darker liquids become cloudy.
Friends take care of friends. If you suspect that another girl has taken a drug (including alcohol, the most abused depressant of all) that could leave her defenseless against a possible rape attempt, help her get out of the situation.
An adolescent, young, or adult woman who thinks she may have been drugged and sexually abused should go immediately to a rape crisis center or hospital and tell her staff. Among other tests, a urine sample will be analyzed to look for evidence of the presence of these substances, which can usually be detected up to three days later.
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Caring For Your Teenagers